- National Park Community College emerged as a result of the blending of Garland County Community College and Quapaw Technical Institute into a comprehensive two-year institution by Act 678 of the 2003 Arkansas General Assembly effective July 1, 2003. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, the college is located in Mid-America Park, just outside the city limits of Hot Springs, America's oldest national park service site.
School Highlights
National Park College serves 1,805 students (69% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 38%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 1,805 students
- In-state tuition: $3,490
- Out-state tuition: $4,540
- Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
- Minority enrollment: 23%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 135 teachers has declined by 44% over five years.
National Park College
(AR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
135 staff
61 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of National Park College has declined by 35% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The National Park College diversity score of 0.39 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has declined by 12% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,805 students
1,285 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
1,243 students
440 students
# Part-Time Students
562 students
845 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
160 students
544 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,243 students
440 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
562 students
845 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
180 students
160 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
6%
12%
% Black
9%
17%
% White
77%
62%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.39
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
26%
38%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,600
$27,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,490 is more than the state average of $2,994. The in-state tuition has declined by 30% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,540 is less than the state average of $4,750. The out-state tuition has declined by 27% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,490
$2,994
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,540
$4,750
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
92%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$9,673
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,239
$5,300
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- National Park Community College averages approximately 3,000 credit students per semester enrolled in college courses blending liberal arts with occupational education to prepare students to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. NPCC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. NPCC's academic programs are designed for students who plan to earn a two-year associate degree or a one-year technical certificate leading to employment, as well as for those who plan to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The programs are, in some cases, flexible. The Adult Education assists adults to prepare for postsecondary education, successful careers, and productive lives. Instruction is conducted in an informal learning environment, with an emphasis on individual or small group instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does National Park College cost?
National Park College's tuition is approximately $3,490 for In-State students and $4,540 for Out-State students.
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